Hanuman and Diwali – Worship and Puja of Lord Hanuman during Deepavali

Special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Hanuman are performed a day before Diwali in North India and Gujarat. In 2018, the date of Hanuman Puja during Diwali is on November 6. This day is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudash and Roop Chaturdashi or Chaudash. In several regions, the day before Diwali is believed to the birthday of Bajrang Bali Hanuman.

Story of Hanuman Puja During Diwali

It is said that Hanuman used to observe Sita wearing a red dot on her forehead. Mata Sita used to daily smear the parting of her hair with vermilion powder.

One day a curious Hanuman asked Mata Sita, ‘Why are you smearing vermilion on your forehead and the parting of the hair?’

Sita replied, ‘It is for the good of Sri Ram.’

Hanuman then thought why just put vermilion on the forehead, why not on the entire body then it would bring even more strength to Bhagavan Ram

Sita understood what Hanuman was thinking and kept this in her mind.

On Kartik Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi, Bhagavan Sri Ram thanked all the Vanaras (monkey warriors) and gave them gifts.

Hanuman was given a special gift - a mala - necklace studded with rare rubies and diamonds. But Hanuman was unhappy as it did not have the name of Bhagavan Ram.

Sita who realized the reason for Hanuman's unhappiness, presented him with the all auspicious sindhoor.

Hanuman became ecstatic and immediately applied the Sindhoor all over his body. From that day Hanuman started to wear Sindhoor all over his body.

Mata Sita blessed Hanuman with immortality.

All this happened on the previous day of Diwali.

What is Done As Part of Diwali Hanuman Puja

Hanuman puja during Diwali is considered highly auspicious by several communities. This puja is

also a major event in Gujarat. Hanuman is believed to give strength to fight evil spirits and inauspiciousness on the day.

On the day of Diwali also special pujas and prayers dedicated to Lord Hanuman is performed. Sindhur and oil are offered to Hanuman on the day.

A major reason for celebrating Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Lord Ram has himself said that people will always worship Hanuman before him. And the easiest way to reach the feet of Lord Ram is through Bajrang Bali Hanuman. So it is only natural for people to perform Hanuman puja before Diwali.

It must be noted here that in majority of the regions, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the full moon day in Chaitra month (March – April).